Puppy dies after five-day flight in cargo from China to Vancouver

The puppy didn't survive the five-day journey from China to Vancouver in April. Its owners allege it wasn't provided properly cared for, despite paying a China-based pet transportation company to transport the animal.

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A Metro Vancouver family is mourning the loss of their puppy after the animal died while on a five-day flight from China to Vancouver.

Jason Guo says his family hired a Chinese company to transport his puppy, Dora, but she arrived dehydrated, starved, exhausted and with hypothermia.

“They promised us that the layovers will be short that they will provide adequate service, food and water for the animal during the layovers,” says Guo. “That promise wasn’t fulfilled.”

Guo took his puppy to the ER, but they were unable to revive her.

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Many airlines allow pets to travel in the cabin or baggage compartments instead of with cargo. However, there are restrictions and some countries do not allow this at all.

Eyal Lichtmann, CEO of the Regional Animal Protection Society, says this is unacceptable.

“I think the airlines care, but i think they need to make sure that a situation like this never happens again,” says Lichtmann.

Guo has started the Dora Animal Protection Foundation, which will provide funds to local animal groups.

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